The heart of this year’s Art Basel is Markowicz Fine Art in the Design District. Renowned curator Bernard Markowicz curated a collection of artworks by the most prominent figures in the international art world. Markowitz’s three-story gallery space featured the works of KAI, Richard Orlinski, Formento & Formento, Arnaud, Carole Feuerman, Alain Godon, and Idan Zareski. Photo Credits: Romain Maurice Bernard Markowicz and Carole Feuerman
November-December Issue 2015 Photographed by Catherine Asanov Natalie Gal is an American actress and model. She was born in 1989 to the family of an opera singer and a poet. Not surprisingly, she started studying ballet, gymnastics, arts, along with playing piano, singing, and performing in a theatre at the age of six. She is often compared to a young Angelina Jolie, considered to be a very promising young actress by media and magazines. She studied acting at NYU and speaks four languages fluently. Not only is Natalie represented by top model agencies around the world, but is also actively involved in various charities that are near to her heart, such as Artists for Peace and Justice and has done several campaigns for PETA. In September 2010, she was chosen to be the chairman of People Power Progress (PPP). She lives between NYC and LA, produces her TV show Fashion Destinations (airing on FashionTV), hosts a show on NEWTV, produces projects in Los Angeles and frequently travels to several cities around the world for work. She has starred in different movie productions and modeled for different brands such as Chanel, Cavalli, Alexander Wang, Prada, CoverGirl, Guess, Diesel, Alexander McQueen, and Revlon. She’s been on the covers of Grazia, Mademoiselle, Madam Figaro, and Modern Luxury to name a few. Currently she made a switch from modeling to acting, while still being an ambassador for many brands. She produces and stars in features with actors such as Samuel Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Amber Heard and Kelan Lutz. Natalie recently hit the big screen in Jobs and Syrup. She is currently in the process of filming Enter The Fist with Danny Trejo. Since she is a self-proclaimed Miami lover, we couldn’t wait to hear the details… When in Miami you can catch me… Usually shopping! I enjoy all the Miami stores, little boutiques in all corners of the city, vintage shops in Wynwood Art District, or outside of SoBe. Of course, you also have to hit the big fancy ones, like Bal Harbour. After the shopping, I’m usually poolside at the Delano Hotel. I cannot tell you how many celebrities I spot during my visits there – so if you care for high-end people watching, then this is your place to stay. The biggest misconception about Miami is… That South Beach is the only place to be. I love Wynwood, Little Havana, Coral Gables, the Design District, and Coconut Grove. I am a big location junkie for my photo shoots and I typically ask a photographer or art director if we can shoot somewhere interesting, old, weird, or local. So I personally check out those locations on the mission to find interesting places to shoot, and Miami has so many! The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… Juvia and Zuma all the way! I fell in love with Zuma when I first visited in London. It’s a hot spot for very attractive people (in case you want to meet a few wink-wink!). If you haven’t already, I dare you to order a few cocktails there, they are outstanding. Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… There’s always something happening, music, art, fashion, and with new people. Of course, for me it’s Art Basel and Miami Fashion Week. Soho House is swarmed with people and hot outfits during MFW. I usually stay at SLS for MFW and get the most fantastic experience! For Art Basel, people come from all over the world to buy and celebrate art – its the best time to meet someone fun and interesting and get inspired by their talents. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… It was during my time as an up-and-coming, fresh-out-of-old-Europe model. I was instantly in love! I remember I went to the local coffee shop and everyone spoke Spanish there, which made the city appeal even worldlier to me. Then I was bedazzled by the Art Deco style, the atmosphere, the people, and then of course the hot nightlife. Miami felt instantly like the total package. Click here to view this post in MSM’s November/December 2015 digital issue
By Gisel Habibnejad Miami is known for its nightlife and beaches, however restaurateurs have been moving in on our city and opening glamorous, delicious, and innovative eateries for all to enjoy. With these magnificent places, often come wine bars that are quickly becoming hits. Here is a list of special spots to help you ‘wine’ down. Lagniappe Outdoor seating with romantic strings of light swinging across from above–a perfect recipe for a casual and romantic night out. Located in the heart of the intersection between Midtown, Design District, and Wynwood, this destination links the three booming neighborhoods of our city. Lagniappe has won several impressive accolades, and even earned a spot on “The 21 Best Wine Bars in the Country.” Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room is the epitome of sophistication with a view. Miami’s skyline can be seen from anywhere in the restaurant; having a glass of wine by the bay never seemed more romantic. With over 200 vintage wines in the wine attic, wine tasting can be all the more exciting with eight to ten guests joining you for the evening. The Forge The 2010 winner of the Miami New Times “Best Wine Selection in a Restaurant” offers a unique experience Miamians can’t resist. The Enomatic segment is made up of 80 wines by the glass, where you can “be your own sommelier” and sample an international collection of your choice. By choosing Type I, The Forge’s executive sommelier will do the work for you–all you have to do is sip away. Type II requires your own expertise by free will. Uvaggio Wine Bar Crowned as one of the “Top 50 Places to Eat in Miami” by Yelp, Uvaggio Wine Bar guarantees good food and fine wine to its guests. While their menu categories are humorous, they offer a mean wine selection with various red and white wines to choose from. They also host events such as the Somm Slam, in which two top sommeliers go head-to-head to win a unique trophy. Guests will wine and dine on three dishes accompanied with wine pairings chosen by each sommelier. In addition, wine tastings are held every Saturday with special wine themes.
By Katie Jackson Photography by Imani Ogden When walking into the lobby of the Franklin Hotel in the heart of South Beach, the smell of fresh coffee and sight of luxury boutiques take over the senses. The historic Franklin, which was recently remodeled into a chic boutique hotel that offers loft style apartments for short-term rentals, houses the innovative Hub Stores. Nestled into the Franklin’s swank lobby, the Hub Stores offer eight temporary retail spaces for European companies. In addition, the Hub Café provides a place to sit and soak up the ambiance. While these companies have flourished overseas, expanding to the U.S. may seem overwhelming to the owners. The Hub Stores aim to make that transition simple. They also help find professional photographers and host both promotional parties and other pop up events. Mark Howell, Director of Retail for the Hub Stores says, “When choosing a location to launch the first Hub Stores, Miami was an easy decision.” “Miami is very cosmopolitan,” says Nadine Curmi Borgomanero, owner of MADinItaly . “And of course, the weather is amazing!” Opening just last December, the Hub Stores immediately filled all of the available rental spaces, and quickly became a popular destination for both Miami locals and tourists. With an eclectic selection of upscale European brands, including accessories, beachwear, shoes, furniture, and art, it’s no surprise that the Hub Stores attract crowds. Local Europeans that recognize the brands are frequent patrons of the shops as well. “It’s really becoming a neighborhood destination. People really like to come here and hang out,” says Howell. Though it has only been a few months since the launch of the Hub Stores, it will not be long until the company expands. “It’s a concept that is going to be repeated in other hotels,” says Howell. With a unique atmosphere and an equally exceptional shopping experience, the Hub Stores have made South Beach that much more enticing. MADINITALY: AN ITALIAN OASIS When walking into the MADinItaly retail space within the Hub Stores, customers cannot help but be drawn to all the unique Italian furniture and home décor that the store has to offer. The exquisite selection of Italian designed masterpieces, curated by owner Nadine Curmi Borgomanero, is truly lust-worthy. But Borgomanero not only offers customers beautiful items, she also provides superior interior design and remodeling services that will turn any home into an Italian oasis. Though constantly evolving, MADinItaly continues to bring customers the most prestigious home décor by designers such as Karim Rashid, Mario Bellini, and Gaetano Pesce, whose work has been displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. With products ranging from specially handcrafted decorative pillows, glasses, chairs, candles, and home fragrances, there is no shortage of gorgeous items. “Everything is very unique,” says Borgomanero. After opening MADinItaly five years ago in the Design District, Borgomanero decided to move her company to South Beach, hoping to bring her tastefully chosen items to a broader clientele. Borgomanero is excited for the store to be a destination for both Miami locals and tourists looking to fulfill their luxury home needs. She is also passionate about providing her services to other Europeans who have purchased a home on South Beach, and helping them feel comfortable. “Usually, there are a lot of Italians or Europeans who buy homes here, and since the language can be a problem for them, we can help.” LA FOLIE BIJOUX: ENVIABLE GIFTS Yara Nagro founded La Folie Bijoux, an eclectic accessory store, with the idea of providing customers with special and unique items to give as gifts. With collections from designers from Italy and France, there is an enormous selection of pieces that anyone would love.Opening a new location within the Hub Stores, Nagro has curated jewelry and accessories that customers will not be able to find elsewhere. From hand chains and finger- length rings inspired by tattoos, to the popular sunglasses, hats, midi rings, and diamond- encrusted necklaces, La Folie Bijoux has it all. “There’s nothing traditional. There’s nothing simple,” says Nagro. With price points ranging from $50 to $3,000, there is something in the store for everyone. “Teenage boys come in and buy the chain rings for their girlfriends,” says Nagro. “And then their mothers get jealous and come in and buy them too!” MISS BIKINI LUXE: BEACH COUTURE Miss Bikini Luxe provides the ultimate in beachwear glamour. With beautifully handcrafted collections and one-of-a-kind accessories, the brand has become immensely popular all over Europe. In a quest to expand their well-loved line to the U.S., the Miss Bikini Luxe designers and sisters, Alessandra and Francesca Piacentini and President Andrea Teofilatto, have chosen to rent a retail space within the Hub Stores and make Miami their first destination. Launching Miss Bikini Luxe twenty years ago, the Piacentini sisters made it their goal to revolutionize the way in which bikinis were made. “They really put their hearts into the collection,” says Clelia Redeghieri, manager of the Miami Miss Bikini Luxe Hub Stores location. Using the finest materials and manufacturing resources from Italy while incorporating elegant details like Swarovski crystals, the Piacentinis create elegant bikinis that will flatter all body types. “You can actually find a bikini that fits you perfectly, and then from there you can pick that style in any collection,” says Redeghieri. It’s not just the bikinis that are coveted. The unique accessories captivate customers and can be worn from the beach to the bar. In addition to the exquisitely designed cover-ups, dresses, and sandals, there are also the ingenious “t-shirt bags,” which are popular pieces that convert from a bag to a chic cover-up. “It’s basically a triangle, and you can wear it over the shoulder as a bag, or over the neck as a loose top to cover the bikini,” says Redeghieri. “It’s really elegant, fancy, and comfortable. But it’s also an accessory. It’s almost like a piece of art.” Miss Bikini Luxe also carries one-of-a-kind vests that a customer can choose in silk, suede, or cotton
By Katie Jackson Orianne Collins-Mejjati plays many roles, including an active philanthropist, insightfully creative designer, and most importantly, a mother of three young children. She fuses all three of these roles into her jewelry line, Orianne Collins Jewellery. Now with a boutique located in the burgeoning Design District, her customers are given an eclectic selection of carefully designed pieces that are both timelessly elegant and trendy, all while supporting a profoundly meaningful cause. Collins-Mejjati discovered her love for design in 2003 after working with different brands on special collaborations for the Little Dreams Foundation, the philanthropic organization that she co-founded with ex-husband Phil Collins. With the enormous success of a charm bracelet she had co-designed with Van Cleef & Arpels, she knew that it was time to branch out on her own. “I always wanted to be a fashion designer, and this project made me think that this is something that I really want to do. So I started my own company in 2006.” Inspired by everything around her, Collins-Mejjati can often be found with a pen and sketchbook creating her next piece. “I’m inspired by my travels, by my friends, by the people around me. I don’t want to miss anything. Sometimes it just happens in the middle of the night and I have to have my crayons and start to sketch.” This inspiration wholly translates into her line, with specific destinations even influencing entire collections. After witnessing the beautiful architec- ture in Morocco, Collins-Mejjati was motivated to create her Tales collection. “It’s like the magic from my travels,” she says. Offering a variety of intricately designed rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces for women, Collins-Mejjati also provides pieces for men and children. “I have children, and I create a lot of pieces for them. They test the jewelry, and I know it’s unbreakable. With kids it has to be unbreakable!” With children’s collections filled with adorable charm, like the Glitter and Yummylicious collections, there are plenty of pieces that would make any child’s heart melt. For men, Collins-Mejjati created collections that include sophisticated rings and cufflinks. “Men need some nice jewelry, so I try to offer them some- thing original.” Even with the tremendous success of her line, Collins-Mejjati is always determined to give back. In addition to co-founding and chairing the Little Dreams Foundation, she makes sure that many of the proceeds from her line go directly to the organization. “I create and donate a lot of pieces for auctions, and one hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Little Dreams Foundation.” Collins-Mejjati is confident that Miami is the place to grow her jewelry line and foundation, even opening her boutique in the heart of the up- and-coming Design District. “I think it is going to be the place to be. It’s going to be like SoHo in New York—how it was not very well known, but then became this hip place to go.” When customers enter her boutique, Collins-Mejjati wants to ensure that they feel welcome and know that there this is a piece of jewelry for them. “Everyone is my target customer, and I try to make pieces of jewelry that will reach everybody.” In developing a growing brand that promotes and engages in philanthropy while simultaneously making customers—women, men, and children—feel special, Collins-Mejjati has surely achieved her goal. Orianne Collins Jewellery is located in the Design District at 90 Northeast 39th Street, Miami FL, 33137. To purchase or view Orianne Collins Jewellery online, visit oriannecollins.com. Photography by IMANI OGDEN Stylist: ANNIE VALDIVIA (DOLCE AND GABBANA) Hair: FRANK IZQUIERDO (IGK HAIR, SLS HOTEL) Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.
With a long-standing list of accomplishments and her sultry, chocolate locks, real estate tycoon, Patricia Delinois, President & CEO of Century 21 Premier Elite Reality, makes sure to get what she wants – and visibly deserves. This Luxury Real Estate Messiah and NBCUniversal Style Network star, staked her claim to fame long before Andy Cohen and pernicious catfights. For the award winning broker, seamlessly globalizing the 305’s real-estate market, while helming 175 agents deemed a lucrative cakewalk to the philanthropic enthusiast. Although a fluent speaker in three languages – French, Spanish, and English – the property powerhouse fancies one language in particular – selling; she fills us in on her landholdings hypnosis that has foreign affairs and local buyers alike, buzzing. MSM: Did the credit crisis of 2008 have a significant impact on your business and ability to sell homes? In 2008 we had over 46,000 properties available for sale on the market. Clients were asking for rentals, rentals, rentals!! Prices kept dropping and real estate offices were closing. Banks were not lending, mortgage brokers were all closing their companies. It was a very sad, difficult time and a tough process to get anything sold! MSM: What makes Century 21 Premier Elite Realty successful? At the end of 2011 we noticed that sales were up 4 percent from 2005 which was the boom year. A shift was beginning. This shift we were experiencing was due to the foreign buyer. Miami was suddenly on everyone’s radar. The Wall Street Journal named us the “new global city” 62 percent of the buyers now buying in Miami are foreign buyers and 90 percent of those buyers are buying cash. What makes our company different is we are an international company. We focus on foreign clients from all over the world. 48 percent of the business done by Century 21 is outside of the US. We are the most recognized real estate brand in the world. We also are the only real estate company to have an inter-office MLS, providing access for all of our agents and clients to listings from all of our offices around the world through our global MLS website Century21global.com. MSM: Describe your average client profile in the Miami market. Are they in the market to invest or to live in the property? The average Miami buyer is either from one of the large northern cities like New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington DC or they come from other countries in Europe, Asia and South America. We currently have a lot of traffic from Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, France, Columbia and a considerable number of buyers from Canada, Mexico, Russia and China. They want to invest in properties in Miami for security, safety, political, and financial reasons. Most foreign buyers feel more comfortable investing money in Miami than in their own country. They also see the incredible potential in appreciation as this city is transforming at an extremely rapid pace. Many buyers come to invest in America, but others purchase their properties as full or part time homes. MSM: How is the Miami luxury real estate market rebounding since the 2008 housing crash and where do you project pricing trends to move over the next 2 years? Wealthy buyers love the international feel that Miami provides along with sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, thriving nightlife, glamour, entertainment and global business opportunities. They find our per sq. ft. prices much lower than in their own cities and want to own a second or even third residence in Miami. The demand for luxury properties has been fueling the construction and price growth. Miami is a city that is being compared to cities like New York, LA or Paris but we really are still a very new young city with tremendous growth potential. We are quickly becoming a world class city, attracting global attention and boosting real estate price appreciation. We are looking forward to a very strong healthy real estate market in the next years to come. MSM: Are you showing more condos or houses? Both have a strong demand right now depending on the clients lifestyle. MSM: What do you see as the hottest growing part of Miami right now? We have had our third consecutive record sales year and two years of double digit price appreciation. Miami real estate is booming from affordable housing to luxury properties and this is just the beginning. Prices are still around our 2004 pre boom prices and with the combination of very low interest rates we are offering a perfect buying opportunity. Miami is not large. We have the Everglades on one side and the Atlantic on the other side combine that with the increasing population and strong buying demand is making most of Miami real estate attractive everywhere! Currently we are still seeing tremendous growth downtown, in the Brickell area, and all along the Biscayne corridor. The Wynwood area, Doral area and the Design District. In addition there is tremendous growth in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and all over Miami Beach. Miami has that international appeal keeping our residential and commercial real estate market hot for years to come! 1643 Brickell Ave #3102 The hottest buy on Brickell. In one of the most prestigious buildings in Miami the Santa Maria This is a fabulous two story residence in the sky. Priced at $5,900,000 3467 N Moorings Way Coconut Grove Florida Stunning Moorings Estate. For the distinguished buyer who appreciates the arts, enjoys a waterfront lifestyle and requires the ultimate in privacy and security, this exquisite 1929 DeGarmo, is located in the most coveted, guard-gated Coconut Grove neighborhood, The Moorings. Designed by renowned architect Walter DeGarmo, this magical and romantic, walled and gated estate has been lovingly restored to its original splendor. Magnificent finishes and décor exemplify the grandeur and old world charm that you would expect of one of the most beautiful properties in all of South Florida. A masterpiece of Mediterranean inspired architecture, it is surrounded by the most enchanting courtyards, incredible landscape, beautiful gardens and loggia lined patios, all on the water’s edge.Priced at $8,950,000 Click here
305 heavy hitters from the art world joined forces last Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the Maman Fine Art Gallery – the newest edition to the Melin Building in the Design District. Craig Robins – the heart and veins behind The Design Districts thriving success – and Daniel Maman hosted the night that was dedicated to showing the best of modern art, bold, bronzed sculptures and compelling installations while the guest mingled over a soothing glass of wine. Wine and art – is there anything better? By Nycole Sariol
Future, South Floridian designers, brace yourselves! Miami wants to help you be the next Givenchy or Proenza Scholer! No, seriously – it does! This past Thursday Miami Fashion Network celebrated the launch of their fashion source database right in the heart of the Design District. The party kicked off with the sweet sounds of the female tag-team, DJs S&M in the always contemporary and artful Arevalo and Sponder Galleries. The who’s who of the Miami Fashion community filled the swanky sphere, dressed in their most capably resplendent outfits, serving as walking, talking, Rick Owens and Celine billboards – leaving no signs of under-dressed patrons in sight! “This directory, miamifashionnetwork.com, is a one-stop shop for designers and suppliers, where everyone can unite and grow their businesses together. We work with designers, who are just trying to start their line, and help them start to finish,” founder and CEO of Miami Fashion Network, Jessica Anderson, shared with us. Textiles, patternmakers, fashion attorneys – you name it, Miami Fashion Network will hand it to you on a silver platter, guiding you step-by-step to success! In addition to providing future hopefuls with the necessary tools in order to triumph in one of the hardest industries to break into, the fashion database also will host a job bulletin, on-site support, and one-on-one education, in which the site assists and coaches design members with marketing strategies, branding, merchandising and beyond! By Nycole Sariol